Deborah Golden sensed something wasn’t quite right even before her son Cornelious was born. “It was like his heart would skip a beat... I could feel it.” Two weeks after he was born, an ultrasound confirmed what she had felt. Cornelious was diagnosed with a heart condition. Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, in partnership with Bon Secours Heart Institute, closely monitored Cornelious’ condition. He was 9 months old when he was scheduled for surgery, but pre-operative tests indicated the hole was beginning to heal. A decision was made to postpone the procedure and monitor his progress.

At the age of 4, it was discovered that the hole was still closing, but muscle tissue had developed that was keeping a valve in his heart from functioning properly. Surgery would be necessary. Dr. Gilbert of Bon Secours Heart Institute performed the delicate heart surgery on little Cornelious. “His body produced what he needed... they used that extra muscle tissue to close the hole,” recalls Deborah.“What really made a difference was how they made me feel comfortable with everything... when you’re comfortable, your child senses that and is comfortable too. If you can be happy, he will be also.”

Deborah is thankful for the wonderful care that Cornelious received. “The whole staff was awesome... they treated him like he was the only child there.” Cornelious is enjoying his new-found health. He even carries a little picture book that chronicles his story. He’ll gladly share it with you... if you can catch him!